Bicycle Crash Fatality on SR-140 in Merced County
A fatality was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) following a bicycle crash on SR-140 in Merced County on the morning of Sunday, October 17, 2021. The incident occurred shortly before 4:30 a.m. on State Route 140 near Lincoln Boulevard just south of the Livingston area.
Details on the Fatality Reported After an SR-140 Bicycle Crash in Merced County
Officials responding to the scene located an injured cyclist lying in the roadway. Sadly, they were declared deceased at the scene. Officials have recently identified the decedent as Isidro Ramirez, 69, of Livingston.
Both lanes of Highway 140 were closed as CHP traffic officers conducted an investigation of the fatal bicycle accident. The driver of the GMC Sierra involved in the incident stayed at the scene and was reported to be cooperative with officials. A cause of the traffic collision is unknown as an investigation is ongoing by CHP.
What Surviving Family Members Should Expect from a Wrongful Death Claim
When a family suffers the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another party or entity, they may be entitled to financial compensation through a wrongful death claim. This type of case is generally brought against the insurance company representing the individual responsible for the fatal incident. The purpose of a wrongful death case is to offset any financial hardship survivors may have experienced as a result of their loss and compensate them for the harm they have endured. Compensation may include costs of a funeral and burial, expenses for end-of-life treatment, loss of companionship, mental anguish, lost future financial support, and more. The course of action will depend on the facts and circumstances of the case.
In California, there is a statute of limitations that dictates the amount of time a family has to take legal action against an individual or entity for the wrongful death of a loved one. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, surviving family members can file a lawsuit in civil court up to two years from the date of a loved one’s passing. While this may seem like ample time, these cases require time and effort to build, and failing to meet the statute of limitations may result in the loss of the right to seek recovery.
Retaining legal counsel may simplify the process for surviving family members. An accident attorney will handle all matters related to the fatal motor vehicle collision, including filing a claim with the insurance company and negotiating with the insurer for a fair settlement. It is understandable that survivors may be reluctant to discuss their case with a lawyer, particularly if they are coping with grief. However, it is essential for families to understand that speaking with an attorney may mean that they are provided with the information they need to determine what actions they must take to protect their rights and best interests, particularly if they are considering proceeding with a wrongful death claim. Choosing the right law firm to protect your rights and best interests plays a significant role in your recovery and peace of mind. For information on how to do so, watch this video.
About Our Legal Team
A wrongful death claim is among the most tragic cases any lawyer can handle. They start when a loved one’s life has been cut short due to the negligence of others. Any family who has been affected by such a situation may have the right to take legal action against those responsible for their loss.
At our law firm, we are committed to obtaining justice and fair compensation on behalf of surviving family members for all types of accidents, including those involving cyclists. Our goal is to conduct an independent investigation of a bicycle accident and determine every possible option to assist your family. We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you and your family move forward.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced personal injury lawyer. The loss of a loved one is devastating for any family to experience. To learn about how a wrongful death claim may help your family, or to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys to receive free, friendly case advice, please call (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. We are available anytime to listen to your story and discuss your best options for moving forward.
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Since 1982, our law firm has represented those injured or families who have lost loved ones in motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligence of others. We have worked hard to recover fair compensation on behalf of our clients. See some of our past case results featured on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Photograph Attribution: By “Stock Snap” via Pixabay
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